Boat protection device

ABSTRACT

A boat protection device includes a boat fender having a cushion, a first attachment element and a second attachment element. The first attachment element has a first keyhole aperture. The first keyhole aperture has a first slot and a first passage contiguous with the first slot. The second attachment element has a second keyhole aperture. The second keyhole aperture has a second slot and a second passage contiguous with the second slot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority of provisionalapplication 61/548,314 filed Oct. 18, 2011, the complete disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to boat protection devices and methods of makingand using the same.

BACKGROUND

Boat fenders provide a cushion between a boat hull and/or rail andsurrounding objects such as a dock, pier, pylon, or another boat. Boatfenders are typically held in place using ropes. The position of boatfenders must often be adjusted due to the varying heights of differentdocks, as well as the height difference between a boat and a particulardock caused by changing tides. Obtaining the correct position of theboat fender requires frequent tying and untying of the rope to adjustthe length of the line. This process can be difficult to accomplishquickly while the boat is approaching a dock. During an approach, theboat is simultaneously moving under its own power and being rocked bywind and waves. The height of the dock relative to the boat is oftenunknown and the fenders must be repositioned and secured quickly toprevent damage to the boat and the dock.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect, a boat protection device includes a boatfender having a cushion, a first attachment element and a secondattachment element. The first attachment element is attached to thecushion and includes a first keyhole aperture. The first keyholeaperture has a first passage and a first slot contiguous with the firstpassage. The first passage has a first width and the first slot has asecond width smaller than the first width. The second attachment elementis attached to the cushion and includes a second keyhole aperture. Thesecond keyhole aperture has a second passage and a second slotcontiguous with the second passage. The second passage has a third widthand the second slot has a fourth width smaller than the third width.

In accordance with another aspect, a boat protection device includes afender line, a cushion, a first attachment element, and a secondattachment element. The fender line has a length extending between afirst end and a second end and a stop positioned along the fender line.The stop has a stop width extending in a direction perpendicular to thelength of the fender line. The first attachment element includes a firstkeyhole aperture having a first passage and a first slot contiguous withthe first passage. The first slot has a first slot width smaller thanthe stop width to prevent passage of the stop through the first slot.The first passage has a first passage width larger than the stop widthto permit passage of the stop through the first passage. The secondattachment element includes a second keyhole aperture having a secondpassage and a second slot contiguous with the second passage. The secondslot has a second slot width smaller than the stop width to preventpassage of the stop through the second slot. The second passage has asecond passage width larger than the stop width to permit passage of thestops through the second passage.

In accordance with a further aspect is a method of positioning a boatprotection device on a boat. A fender line having a plurality of stopspositioned thereon is attached to a boat-protection device. The fenderline is positioned on a support. A first end of the fender line is drawnthrough a passage of a first or second keyhole slot on the boatprotection device. A portion of the fender line between two adjacentstops is selected and the selected portion of the fender line is movedfrom the passage to a respective slot.

Other embodiments, including apparatus, systems, methods, and the likewhich constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent uponreading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsand viewing the drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and therefore not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthe specification. The drawings, together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsand methods given below, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a boat protection device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an exemplary boat protection device.

FIG. 2B is a side view of another embodiment of a boat protectiondevice.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmented view of the exemplary boat protectiondevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary boat protection device of FIG. 1attached to a dock pile.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a boat protection device according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a boat protection device according to yetanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the boat protection device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary grommet for use with the boatprotection device.

FIG. 9 is a side, sectional view of a fastener for use with the grommetshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a boat protection device according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the boat protection device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the boat protection device of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) AND EXEMPLARY METHOD(S)

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments andmethods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference characters designate like or corresponding partsthroughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the inventionin its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details,representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown anddescribed in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary boat protection device 10. The boat protectiondevice 10 includes a cushion 12 which may come in various shapes, sizesand types and may be made from a variety of materials, includingpolymeric, foam, elastomeric materials, composites, and any combinationthereof. The cushion 12 may have a shock-absorbing attribute. Forexample the cushion 12 may include a foam or elastomeric material whichreduces impact. In another embodiment, the cushion 12 may have a hollowinterior chamber permanently sealed or it may be inflatable using a tubeor other inlet for inflating. The cushion 12 also may include variousrings, ribs, or flutes. While the cushion 12 is shown generallyelongated, it may possess other shapes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cushion 12 has a first attachmentelement 18 and a second attachment element 28. The first and secondattachment elements 18, 28 may be positioned at opposite ends of thecushion 12. The first and second attachment elements 18, 28 may also bepositioned at different locations and at different orientations to eachother on the cushion. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, which as discussedbelow show variations of the cushion 12, the first and second attachmentelements 18, 18A, 18B, 28, 28A, 28B may be thinner than the cushion 12,12A, 12B. The first and second attachment elements 18, 28 may beintegrally formed with the shock-absorbing central area of the fenderbody 12, or may be separately formed components that are fastened,joined, or otherwise attached to the shock-absorbing central area.

The first attachment element 18 contains an opening 20 and a firstkeyhole aperture 22. In an exemplary embodiment the opening 20 is acircular hole extending through the first attachment element 18. Invarious exemplary embodiments the first keyhole aperture 22 includes apassage 24, embodied in FIG. 1 as a circular opening, and a slot 26contiguous with and extending from the passage 24. The slot 26 is shownhaving a truncated-obround shape defined by an approximate semi-circularedge having two linear edges extending from the opposite ends of thesemi-circular edge. The passage 24 and slot 26, however, may be variousshapes and sizes, including square or rectangular. In various exemplaryembodiments, both the passage 24 and the slot 26 extend through thefirst attachment region 14, though various embodiments may utilize ablind passage 24 and slot 26.

The second attachment element 28 contains a second keyhole aperture 30.Similar to the first keyhole aperture 22, the second keyhole aperture 30may have a passage 32 in the shape of a circular opening and a slot 34extending from the passage 32. The slot 34 may have a shape similar oridentical to the slot 26 of the first keyhole aperture 22. Although theopening 20 and the passages 24 and 32 are shown having generallycircular shapes, it should be understood that each may possess othershapes, including, for example elliptical, polygonal, etc. Various sizedopenings 20 and keyhole apertures 22, 30 may also be utilized.

FIG. 2A shows a first variation in which the cushion 12A has oppositeattachment elements 18A and 28A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the attachmentelements 18A, 28A extend coplanar with a back surface of the cushion12A. In the second variation shown in FIG. 2B, the cushion 12B has athick shock-absorbing central area and the first and second attachmentelements 18B, 28B are attached at approximately the midpoint of thethickness of the cushion 12B.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the boat protection device 10 further includesa fender line 36. In an exemplary embodiment the fender line 36 is arope, though other types of lines such as cables, wires, chains, fabric,or other material may be used. The fender line 36 has a first end 38 anda second end 40. The fender line 36 may be permanently connected to thefender body 12, for example through stitches or an adhesive, orreleasably secure thereto. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, thefirst end 38 of the fender line 36 extends through the opening 20. Aterminal stop 39 that is larger than the opening 20 is secured, fitted,knotted, or otherwise attached in proximity to or at the first end 38 ofthe fender line 36.

One or more additional stops 42 may be connected to or formed integralwith the fender line 36. The stops 42 are shown spaced apart from oneanother by substantially uniform distances along the length of thefender line 36. Additional or fewer stops 42 than shown may be employed,and the spacing is not necessarily uniform. The stops 42 may becylindrical, elliptical, polygonal, or any other shape. The stops 42 maybe made from various materials, for example a polymer, wood, elastomer,metal, etc. The stops 42 may be permanently connected to the fender line36 in fixed positions along the length of the fender line 36. Forexample, the stops 42 may be molded or knotted in the fender line 36.Alternatively, one, two, three, or more of the stops 42 also may bereleasably or slidably connected to the fender line 36, such as via aclamping mechanism (e.g., circular spring clamp, hose clamp, butterflyclamp), so as to permit the stops 42 to be repositioned along the lengthof the fender line 36. In various exemplary embodiments the stops 42 areknots formed in the fender line 36.

The stops 42 may include the terminal stop 39 for connecting the firstend 38 of the fender line 36 to the cushion 12. For example, theterminal stop 39 may be attached at or near the first end 38 of thefender line 36 which has been threaded through the opening 20 in thefirst attachment element 18. The terminal stop 39 is larger than theopening 20 and therefore prevents the first end 38 of the fender line 36from being pulled through the opening 20.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the stops 42 have a width extending in adirection perpendicular to the length of the fender line 36. The firstand second slots 26, 34 have first and second slot widths, respectively,which are smaller than the stop width to prevent passage of the stops 42through the first and second slots 26, 34. The first and second passages24, 32 have first and second passage widths, respectively, which arelarger than the stop width to permit passage of the stops 42 through thefirst and second passages 24, 32. In use, the fender line 36 may bereleasably and adjustably secured to the attachment elements 18, 28 bypassing the stops 42 through the first and second passages 24, 32 to adesired point. To selectively lock the fender line 36 in place relativeto the cushion 12, the fender line 36 is moved in to the respective slot26, 34 of the first or second attachment elements 18, 28. Although thestops 42 fit through the passages 24, 32, the stops cannot pass throughthe slots 26, 34. The second end 40, for example, may be threadedthrough the passages 24, 32 and, after the cushion 12 is appropriatelymounted at the desired height or location, the fender line 36 ispositioned in the respective slot 26, 34, which the stops 42 cannot passthrough. The fender line 36 thereby secures the cushion 12 in place. Aplurality of stops 42 may be provided at various positions along thefender line 36 so that the cushion 12 may be quickly and securelyattached to a variety of objects and structures as shown in FIG. 4.

The plurality of stops 42 allows a user to adjust the free length offender line 36. In various exemplary embodiments, the keyhole apertures22, 30 are oriented approximately orthogonal to one another. As bestshown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first keyhole aperture 22 may be located ina corner of the first attachment element 18 and have a respectivelyvertical orientation. The second keyhole aperture 30 is located on thesecond attachment element 28, for example cater-corner to the firstkeyhole slot 22, and may have a respectively horizontal orientation. Invarious exemplary embodiment, the keyhole apertures 22, 30 may belocated at any position along the respective attachment elements 18, 28.

Because of the placement of the keyhole apertures 22, 30, the boatprotection device 10 may be attached to a structure in either ahorizontal or vertical orientation. This makes the boat protectiondevice 10 suitable for attaching to boat railings, boat posts, cleats,docks, pylons, and other structures. Moreover, the orientation of thekeyhole apertures 22, 30 helps ensure that the boat fender body 12 stayssecurely attached, though various angles of keyhole slots 22, 30 mayalso be used.

FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of the boat protectiondevice 10C. The boat protection device 10C has a cushion 12C and asingle attachment element 18C. The attachment element 18C contains afirst keyhole aperture 22C. The first keyhole aperture 22C includes apassage 24C, embodied in FIG. 5 as a circular opening, and a slot 26Ccontiguous with and extending from the passage portion 24C. The slot 26Cis shown having a truncated-obround shape defined by an approximatesemi-circular edge having two linear edges extending from the oppositeends of the semi-circular edge. In various exemplary embodiments, boththe passage 24C and the slot 26C extend through the first attachmentelement 18C.

The boat protection device 10C further includes a fender line 36C havinga first end 38C and a second end 40C. The first end 38C of the fenderline 36C is permanently fixed to the attachment element 18C, forexample, by a stitched attachment. The fender line contains a pluralityof stops 42C, depicted in FIG. 5 as knots formed in the fender line 36C.The knots 42C fit through the passage 24C and the fender line 36C may bedrawn up into the slot portion 26C to secure the boat protection device10C in place.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict another exemplary embodiment of a boat protectiondevice 50. Similar to the boat protection device 10 depicted in FIG. 1,the boat protection device 50 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes acushion 52, a first attachment element 54 and a second attachmentelement 56. The first and second attachment elements 54, 56 arepositioned at opposite ends of the cushion 52. The first attachmentelement includes an opening 58. The opening extends through the firstattachment element 56 and is surrounded by an opening grommet 60.

The first attachment element also includes a first keyhole aperture 62.The first keyhole aperture 62 extends through the first attachmentelement 54 and includes a passage 64 and a slot 66. The passage 64 isembodied in FIG. 6 as a circular opening. The slot 66 is contiguous withand extends from the passage 64. The slot 66 is shown having two linearedges extending from the passage 64 and terminating in a semi-circularopening. The passage 64 and slot 66, however, may be various shapes andsizes. The first keyhole passage 62 is surrounded by a first keyholegrommet 68.

The second attachment element also includes a second keyhole aperture70. The second keyhole aperture 70 extends through the second attachmentelement 56 and includes a passage 72 and a slot 74. The passage 72 isembodied in FIG. 6 as a circular opening. The slot 74 is contiguous withand extends from the passage 72. The slot 74 is shown having two linearedges extending from the passage 72 and terminating in a semi-circularopening. The passage 72 and slot 74, however, may be various shapes andsizes. The second keyhole passage 70 is surrounded by a second keyholegrommet 76. As best shown in FIG. 7, the grommets 60, 68, 76 extendthrough the respective first and second attachment elements 54, 56. Thegrommets 60, 68, 76 may be formed from a variety of suitable materials,including metals, such as stainless steel, elastomers, such as rubber,and polymers, such as nylon. The grommets 60, 68, 76 may be a unitarystructure which is attached to the respective attachment elements 54,56, for example through an adhesive or by insert molding.

The grommets 60, 68, 76 also may be formed from a two-piececonstruction, having a top and bottom piece located on opposite sides ofthe attachment element 54 or 56 and connected to one another. FIGS. 8and 9 depict an enlarged view of such an exemplary keyhole grommet 80.The keyhole grommet 80 includes a keyhole aperture 82 comprised of apassage 84 and a slot 86. The passage 84 is embodied in FIG. 8 as acircular opening. The slot 86 is contiguous with and extends from thepassage 84. The slot 86 is shown having two linear edges extending fromthe passage 84 and terminating in a substantially semi-circular opening.The keyhole grommet 80 has a top plate 88 and a bottom plate 90. The topplate 88 and the bottom plate 90 are held in position by one or morefasteners 92. The fasteners 92 may be formed integrally with the top andbottom plates 88, 90, attached as separate elements, or a combinationthereof.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the fasteners 92 include a male portion 94 anda female portion 96. The male portion 94 may include a split male end 98having an annular notch 100. The female portion 96 has an opening 102and a recess 104, with the recess 104 having a greater diameter than theopening 102. As the male portion 94 is inserted into the female portion96, the split male end 98 is squeezed together as it passes through theopening 102. As the notch 100 fully enters the recess 104, the splitmale end 98 expands into the wider recess 104. The notch 100 of theexpanded male end 98 is wider than an annular shoulder 109 of the femaleportion 96, such that the annular shoulder 109 impedes disengagement ofthe male and female portions 94, 96 from one another and forms a secureconnection. The male portion 94 may also include a protrusion 106 whichaligns and mates with a depression 108 in the female portion 96. Theprotrusion 106 and depression 108 may ensure proper alignment of thefastener 92. To disengage the female portion 96 from the male portion94, the split male end 98 is squeezed inward upon itself, reducing itsouter diameter to allowing the male end 98 to be slid by the annularshould 109 and out through the opening 102.

FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of a boat protection device 110. Theboat protection device 110 includes a cushion 112, a first attachmentelement 114, and a second attachment element 116. The cushion 112 is anelongated cylinder with the first and second attachment elements 114,116 located at opposite ends of the cylinder. The first and secondattachment elements 114, 116 may be thinner than the shock-absorbingcentral area of the cushion 112. The first and second attachmentelements 114, 116 may be integrally formed with the cushion 112, or maybe separate components that are fastened, connected, or otherwiseattached to the cushion 112.

The first attachment element 114 contains an opening 118 and a firstkeyhole aperture 120. In an exemplary embodiment the opening 118 is acircular hole extending through the first attachment element 114. Invarious exemplary embodiments the first keyhole aperture 120 includes apassage 122, such as a circular opening, and a slot 124 contiguous withand extending from the passage 122. The slot 124 may have two linearedges extending from the passage 122 and connecting to a semi-circle.Both the passage 122 and the slot 124 extend through the firstattachment element 114.

The second attachment element 116 contains a second keyhole aperture128. Similar to the first keyhole aperture 120, the second keyholeaperture 128 includes a passage 130, such as a circular opening, and aslot 132 contiguous with and extending from the passage 130. The slot132 may have two linear edges extending from the passage 130 andconnecting to a substantially semi-circle. Both the passage 130 and theslot 132 extend through the second attachment element 116. In variousexemplary embodiments, the first and second keyhole apertures 120, 128have different orientations with respect to one another. For example,the first and second keyhole apertures 120, 128 may be orientedorthogonal to one another. Various shapes may be utilized in forming thekeyhole apertures 120, 128, for example circular, elliptical, polygonal,etc. Various sizes may also be utilized for the opening 118 and keyholeapertures 120, 128.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the opening 118 and keyhole apertures120, 128 include reinforcement 140. The reinforcement 140 may be aneyelet, grommet, washer, or other type of reinforcement member. Thereinforcement 140 also may be a thickened region of the materialsurrounding the opening 118 and keyhole apertures 120, 128.

The boat protection devices 10, 110 discussed herein may be used in avariety of ways. For example, with reference to the boat protectiondevice 10, it may be stored on a boat and retrieved as the boatapproaches a structure, such as a dock, pylon, or another boat. The boatprotection device 10 may then be positioned on a support, for example anelement on the boat or the structure. Depending on the location andheight of the structure, the boat protection device 10 may be positionedon various rails, posts, cleats, etc. The fender line 36 is wrapped,looped, or otherwise positioned around or through the chosen boatelement and the second end 40 of the fender line 36 is placed throughthe passage 24, 32 in the first or second keyhole aperture 22, 30. Theuser may select a keyhole aperture 22, 30 based on the desired positionand orientation of the cushion 12. After the second end 40 of the fenderline 36 is drawn through the passage 24, 32, the fender line 36 is drawnto a desired tightness and height. The fender line 36 is then insertedinto the respective slot 26, 34. The fender line 36 is held in place bythe closest stop 42, securing the boat protection device 10.Alternatively, the boat protection device 10 may be attached to thestructure, e.g., a dock, in a similar manner as opposed to beingattached to the boat.

As used herein, the term “boat” may encompass other types ofwater-traversing vehicles, such as a ship, vessel, yacht, liner,cruiser, ferry, kayak, jet-ski, etc.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodimentshas been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of theinvention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilledin the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Additionalembodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within thisspecification and the scope of the appended claims. The specificationdescribes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that maybe accomplished in another way.

Only those claims which use the words “means for” are to be interpretedunder 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.

What is claimed:
 1. A boat protection device, comprising: a cushion; afirst attachment element attached to the cushion, the first attachmentelement comprising a first keyhole aperture having a first passage and afirst slot contiguous with the first passage, the first passage having afirst width and the first slot having a second width smaller than thefirst width; and a second attachment element attached to the cushion,the second attachment element comprising a second keyhole aperturehaving a second passage and a second slot contiguous with the secondpassage, the second passage having a third width and the second slothaving a fourth width smaller than the third width.
 2. The boatprotection device of claim 1, wherein the first and second passages aresubstantially circular.
 3. The boat protection device of claim 1,wherein the first slot is orientated substantially orthogonal to thesecond slot portion.
 4. The boat protection device of claim 1, whereinthe first attachment element further comprises an opening for receivinga fender line.
 5. The boat protection device of claim 1, wherein thefirst attachment element and the second attachment element are locatedat opposite ends of the cushion.
 6. The boat protection device of claim1, wherein the first attachment element and the second attachmentelement are integral with the cushion.
 7. The boat protection device ofclaim 1, wherein the cushion, the first attachment element, and thesecond attachment element have rear surfaces coplanar with one another.8. The boat protection device of claim 1, wherein the cushion isinflatable.
 9. A boat protection device, comprising: a fender linehaving a length extending between a first end and a second end; a stoppositioned along the fender line, the stop having a stop width extendingin a direction perpendicular to the length of the fender line; acushion; a first attachment element comprising a first keyhole aperturehaving a first passage and a first slot contiguous with the firstpassage, the first slot having a first slot width smaller than the stopwidth to prevent passage of the stop through the first slot, the firstpassage having a first passage width larger than the stop width topermit passage of the stop through the first passage; and a secondattachment element comprising a second keyhole aperture having a secondpassage and a second slot contiguous with the second passage, the secondslot having a second slot width smaller than the stop width to preventpassage of the stop through the second slot, the second passage having asecond passage width larger than the stop width to permit passage of thestops through the second passage.
 10. The boat protection device ofclaim 9, wherein the first slot is orientated substantially orthogonalto the second slot.
 11. The boat protection device of claim 9, whereinthe stop is slidably attached to the fender line.
 12. The boatprotection device of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of stopspositioned along the length of the fender line in spaced relation to oneanother.
 13. The boat protection device of claim 12, wherein the stopsare fixedly attached to the fender line.
 14. The boat protection deviceof claim 12, wherein the stops are releasably mountable along the lengthof the fender line.
 15. The boat protection device of claim 9, whereinthe first end of the fender line is permanently attached to the firstattachment element.
 16. The boat protection device of claim 9, whereinthe first attachment element further comprises an opening, and whereinthe fender line is secured to the first attachment element through theopening.
 17. The boat-protection device of claim 9, wherein the cushionhas a front surface and a rear surface, and wherein the first and secondattachment elements have rear surfaces that are substantially coplanarwith the rear surface.
 18. The boat-protection device of claim 9,further comprising a first keyhole grommet surrounding the first keyholeaperture and a second keyhole grommet surrounding the second keyholeaperture.
 19. The boat protection device of claim 18, further comprisingfasteners securing the first and second keyhole grommets to the firstattachment element and the second attachment element, respectively. 20.A method of positioning a boat-protection device on a boat, comprising:attaching a fender line comprising a plurality of stops positionedthereon to the boat-protection device of claim 1; positioning the fenderline on a support; drawing a first end of the fender line through thepassage of the first or second keyhole slot; selecting a portion of thefender line between two adjacent stops; and moving the selected portionof the fender line from the passage to the respective slot.